Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Printer-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
02 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
3 large eggs, whisked
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
06 -
1 tsp cayenne pepper
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
11 -
Avocado oil for frying
→ For the Nashville Hot Glaze
12 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp chili powder (optional)
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2-3 tbsp hot sauce
19 -
Salt to taste
# Let's Cook!:
01 -
Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
02 -
Prepare 3 bowls: one with 1 cup flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
04 -
Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.
05 -
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
06 -
In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Add 2 tbsp cayenne, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder (optional), 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
07 -
Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
# Cook's Notes:
01 -
Freeze After Breading: Freezing after breading ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while frying.
02 -
Double Coat for Crunch: A second coating of egg and breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy crust.
03 -
Use Fresh Mozzarella Blocks: Block mozzarella provides the creamy texture and shape needed for uniform sticks.
04 -
Control the Spice: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze for your desired heat level.
05 -
Serve Fresh: These sticks are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crunchy.